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BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Classification:
Details: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients. It is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. For height, you can convert from cm to m by dividing by 100 (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m). All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).
Q1: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes (who may have high muscle mass), pregnant women, or the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass).
Q2: What are the limitations of BMI?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, doesn't account for fat distribution, and may not be equally applicable to all ethnic groups.
Q3: Should children use this calculator?
A: No, children and teens need age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles rather than these adult categories.
Q4: What's the difference between obesity classes?
A: Higher obesity classes indicate greater health risks, including increased likelihood of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Q5: What should I do if my BMI indicates obesity?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and personalized weight management plan.